Motorcycle strikes deer, WL man injured

A West Lafayette man was sent to the hospital after his motorcycle struck a deer Saturday morning. 

Around 9:00 a.m. Indiana State Police responded to the crash on U.S. 24 near U.S. 31 near Peru. 

Police said 42-year-old Richard Spencer was traveling eastbound on U.S. 24 when a deer ran from the north side of the road and was struck by Spencer's Harley Davidson. Police said Spencer was ejected from the motorcycle and was unconscious when officers arrived on the scene.  He regained consciousness a short time later, and was flown to Parkview Hospital with unknown injuries.

"Spencer was wearing a helmet and protective clothing,” said Senior Trooper Joe Swisher.

In a press release police said today is the opening day for shotgun deer hunting season and farmers are finishing up the fall harvest, which causes deer to be on the move and crossing roadways more frequently. 

Motorists should be alert for deer running onto roadways.  Deer usually travel in packs.  If a motorist sees one deer cross the roadway, they should expect more deer to follow.  If your vehicle strikes a deer, do not touch it.  A frightened or wounded deer can cause serious bodily injury.

Motorists should report a crash involving a motor vehicle and deer as they would any other crash.